Huano Elf vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and Gazzew U4 offer two distinct yet appealing experiences that cater to different preferences among typists. The Huano Elf, recognized for its POK top housing, excels in providing a deep sound signature that complements its medium-light feel, making it an excellent choice for those who favor linear switches for a smooth and consistent keystroke without interruption. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches stand out with their precise yet plush tactile feedback, delivering a sharp tactile bump and a luxury-like bottom-out sensation, making them ideal for users who enjoy a more engaging and subtle tactile response in their typing experience. With the U4's whisper-quiet operation, it caters well to environments where noise reduction is a priority. Both switches have their own unique advantages, whether you seek a fluid typing experience with the Elf or a tactile delight with the U4; however, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Gazzew U4 reveal an interesting contrast in their construction, particularly in the top housing. The Elf utilizes polyketone (POK), a material renowned for its low coefficient of friction and superior durability. POK's strength and wear resistance make it an exceptional choice for switches, contributing to a smooth, clacky feel when typing. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 employs a proprietary plastic blend, often referred to as "boba plastic," which modifies the tactile experience by introducing a softer texture. While both materials aim to enhance the overall typing experience, the Elf’s top housing emphasizes durability and smooth performance, whereas the Gazzew U4 prioritizes sound quality and a distinctive tactile feedback.

On the other hand, both the Huano Elf and the Gazzew U4 share a commonality in their bottom housing materials. The Elf utilizes nylon, a traditional choice for switch housings known for its ability to produce a deep and full sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon's softer characteristics that absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Similarly, the Gazzew U4's proprietary blend also emphasizes softness, contributing to a rich and profound auditory experience. This similarity suggests that, despite their different top housing materials, both switches are designed to evoke a comparable sound profile when typing, as both prioritize a sound dampening effect in their bottom housing.

The contrasting characteristics of the top and bottom housings in both the Elf and U4 switches highlight how unique materials can yield different results within the same functional framework. The impact of each housing material varies; the top housing greatly influences the sound profile released upon releasing the keys, while the bottom housing affects the sound produced upon bottoming out. Despite the differences in their composition, both the Huano Elf’s POK and the Gazzew U4’s proprietary blend can create a harmonious typing experience when used together, leveraging the strengths of their materials to provide a nuanced tactile and acoustic performance. Thus, while the specific materials differ, the overall design and sound experience align, creating rich opportunities for users who seek a variety of sensory feedback in their typing dynamics.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, we observe distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Huano Elf has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Gazzew U4 requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Elf more suitable for users who favor a lighter feel, perfect for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Huano Elf is not specified, whereas the U4 features a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a firmer response when the key is pressed all the way down. This heavier bottom out force can provide a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer for a tactile feedback sensation. Consequently, for those who appreciate lighter actuation during normal typing but still want a satisfying bottom-out feel, the U4 might be the better option despite its overall heavier forces.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this regard. This means that users can expect a similar keystroke experience when pressing down on either switch, as the distance from the top to the bottom is the same. Consequently, both switches will provide a consistent feel and responsiveness during use, appealing to those who appreciate uniformity in key switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Huano Elf linear switch is characterized by its deep sound signature, which contributes to a rich auditory experience during typing. This is complemented by its design, featuring a POK top housing that enhances acoustics, resulting in a medium-light resonance. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a muted sound profile that is whisper quiet, making it ideal for environments where noise level is a concern. Its low-pitched nature gives it a more bass-heavy quality, which promotes a soft and mellow tone compared to the Elf's deeper sound. However, both switches can have their acoustic characteristics influenced by the keyboard and keycap choices, leading to varied sound experiences.

When considering the feel of each switch, the Elf provides a medium-light tactile sensation that is satisfying for many typists, allowing for a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the U4 switch delivers a distinctly sharp tactile bump, providing high feedback intensity that enhances the typing experience with each keystroke. The U4’s plush bottom-out sensation offers a unique plush feel, contrasting with the Elfs more straightforward feel. While both switches provide their own unique tactile experiences, the Elf emphasizes a smoother linear feel, while the U4 is more pronounced and tactile.

In conclusion, the Huano Elf and Gazzew U4 switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Elf features a deeper sound signature with a comfortable, medium-light tactile feel, making it well-suited for those who enjoy a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the U4 presents a muted yet low-pitched auditory feedback coupled with a sharp tactile bump, perfect for users who appreciate a more dynamic response from their keys. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize acoustic depth and a linear feel or a quieter, tactile experience that stands out with clear feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, consider your personal typing style and environment. If you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with a medium-light feeling and a deep sound profile for that satisfying acoustic experience, the Huano Elf is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy the nuances of low-pitched sounds while typing. This switch is particularly suited for those who favor linear switches for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks, where quick and seamless keystrokes are paramount. On the other hand, if you appreciate a pronounced tactile feedback that offers a clear and exhilarating bump with every keystroke, the Gazzew U4 is the way to go. Its muted and low-pitched sound profile makes it ideal for quiet environments or shared spaces, while the plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation provides a balanced tactile experience that many enjoy for both typing and casual gaming. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value the smoothness and sound characteristics of the Elf or the tactile feedback and muted acoustics of the U4, guiding you to the switch that best complements your individual typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more